Input - Input is data that the second language learner hears. Steve the linguist (2010) , states that input is where we acquire familiarity with a language and get to know its words and structures naturally. We acquire input by reading and listening to things we care about or are interested in. Teacher Tip: Input should be interesting and meaningful to the learner. Input based activities could be : listening to the radio, television, or classroom lectures. Check out more information on input at : http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/comprehensible_input_output_70140.php
Output - Output is the speaking and writing of a language. A learner uses output when they use the words and phrases that they have learned from input. Output also relates back to input in that the learner then notices gaps in learning. According to Krashen (1998), we acquire language when we attempt to transmit a message, but fail and have to try again. Eventually, we arrive at the correct form of our utterance. Teacher Tip: For beginners, try to start with writing instead of conversation, as conversation can be a bit intimidating in the beginning stages of SLA. Check out more information about output techniques and other key principles in language learning at : http://thelanguagelearningblog.com/key-principles-in-language-learning/
Interaction - Albakri ( n.d.) , reports that interaction is the discourse jointly constructed by the learner and the speaker. Interaction allows the learner to start learning the langauge, which allows the learner to make progress in communication. Interaction is a recursive progress.Interaction involves a number of components including negotiation, recasts, and feedback. Teacher Tip: A good cycle to include in everyday activities to help facilitate interaction: teacher initiates, learner responds, and teacher supplies feedback. The learner should be given explanations, demonstrations, and rephrasing. Check out the following website for icebreakers to spark group interaction, as well as conversation starters and exercises : http://www.eslflow.com/icebreakersreal.html
Comprehension - Comprehension takes place during interaction when the learner can negotiate their comprehension by requesting and producing modifications. Comprehension is the ability to understand and be understood. It is also the ability to draw inferences and understand the message. Comprehension covers input, output, and interaction by pulling all the basic domains such as : syntax, semantics, phonology, and background knowledge. Teacher Tip: Make sure reading selections are appropriate for the students' reading level. Incorporate reading activities that they will actually enjoy or oculd work on as a group to encourage interaction. Try having the students be creative and write their own stories.
Teacher Tip : Input should be interesting and meaningful to the learner. Input based activities could be : listening to the radio, television, or classroom lectures. Check out more information on input at : http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/comprehensible_input_output_70140.php
Teacher Tip : For beginners, try to start with writing instead of conversation, as conversation can be a bit intimidating in the beginning stages of SLA. Check out more information about output techniques and other key principles in language learning at : http://thelanguagelearningblog.com/key-principles-in-language-learning/
Teacher Tip : A good cycle to include in everyday activities to help facilitate interaction: teacher initiates, learner responds, and teacher supplies feedback. The learner should be given explanations, demonstrations, and rephrasing. Check out the following website for icebreakers to spark group interaction, as well as conversation starters and exercises : http://www.eslflow.com/icebreakersreal.html
Teacher Tip : Make sure reading selections are appropriate for the students' reading level. Incorporate reading activities that they will actually enjoy or oculd work on as a group to encourage interaction. Try having the students be creative and write their own stories.
References:
Albakri, R. ( ) . Interaction is the key to second language learning. Retrieved from :
http://apps.emoe.gov.my/ipba/ResearchPaper/journal/article12.pdf
Kaufmann, S. ( 2010). Input, output, and “language hacking” techniques. Retrieve from:
http://thelinguist.blogs.com/how_to_learn_english_and/2010/04/input-output-and-language-hacking-techniques-short-cuts.html
Michelle Samoray
MSamoray@gmail.com